Specify “Edward” Art for Coronation and other Printing

Here’s a neat historical oddity. Edward VIII became King on January 20, 1936, immediately following the death of his father, King George V. He reigned for only 326 days, spanning from January 20, 1936, until his abdication on December 11, 1936, when he chose to marry Wallis Simpson rather than remain monarch. Sometime between January 10 and December 11, the Clyde Paper Company of Rutherglen, Scotland, attempted to capitalize on the impending coronation by producing a sheet “made specially to meet the requirements of Coronation printing.” Once he abdicated, we wonder if they changed the name to “Elizabeth” Art. Look it up and let us know what you learn. In the meantime, you should learn that this is from the collection of Louise Fili. That script at the top probably caught her eye—and this is the very item reproduced on page 108 of Scripts. Historic!